Century vs. Elite III: Choosing a Rain Shell for Road & Gravel Rain Riding

Rain doesn't check your route before falling. Whether you're unfurling a century on pavement or chasing gravel down a forest road, you need a jacket that keeps pace. Showers Pass builds two jackets for drop bar riders: the Century and the Elite III. Here's how they stack up:

Meet the Century

The new Century is our packable specialist. This full overhaul of our packable cycling jacket is built with our new Artex Gold Ultra 2.5-layer fabric, 2.5 times more waterproof than the previous Century CC. At 250 grams (Men’s size M), it disappears into a jersey pocket. It self-stows into its own rear pocket to slip in your handlebar bag. This means no excuses to cut a ride short on changeable spring or fall days. The cut is cycling-specific, with longer arms, a shorter front, and drop-tail coverage. Ample Scotchlite reflective trim keeps you visible from any angle (if the colors aren’t bright enough on their own!) Like all our rainwear, the construction is fully stitched, never bonded, so it will go the distance with wear and washing. Of course, it’s backed by our 2-Year Performance Guarantee. 

One Century rider put it well:

"Firstly, the color is great. Very visible on the bike, but doesn't look like a safety vest. Very light, so packs down well, and is waterproof. Pit zips are great if it's raining, but not cold. Well recommended."

Another rider keeps his packed in a pannier for the commute:

"I keep this one in my pannier on my commuter bike, so I don't get caught in the rain to and from work...I honestly don't know how I dealt with wet weather before!"

Meet the Elite III

The Elite is the jacket that built the brand. First introduced as the Century Elite in 1997, the Elite III dropped in late 2023. The first major update in over a decade was driven by a major improvement in sustainable fabric technology. (Side note- we don’t update our styles every year, only when we have something fresh to offer!) Our PORLITE membrane is PFAS-free and lighter than before, using a high-performance microporous polypropylene membrane that requires less energy, water, and raw materials to produce.

Three-layer construction protects the waterproof membrane against abrasion and degradation from wear and washing, making it a better choice for daily wear.

It’s 30,000mm waterproof, with a breathability rating of 20,000 gsm/24hr, putting Elite III at the top of its class for sustained waterproofing. With our main offices in the Pacific Northwest and the UK, it’s no wonder we build a jacket for sustained rain and all the challenges it provides. Reflective coverage wraps a full 360 degrees, using 3M materials for visibility in low light conditions. Elite III is our heavy-duty option for long rainy rides, and currently holds a 4.6 out of 5 star rating across dozens of reviews. 

One outdoor journalist and sustainability-focused adventure cyclist called out the jacket's rare combination: a waterproof rating of 30,000mm and a breathability rating of 20,000 gsm/24hr, both notably high compared to most jackets she'd researched. Road Bike Rider's review highlighted the same trade-off other testers notice: the lighter Porlite membrane cuts real weight without cutting the jacket's reliability, keeping the classic fit and heritage styling intact while improving comfort on long rides. 

Century vs. Elite III: Head-to-Head Comparison

Numbers only tell half the story. The Century wins on breathability and packability. It's the jacket you forget you're carrying until the sky opens up. The Elite III wins on sustained waterproofing, years-long durability, and visibility. It's built for riders who know rain is the plan, not the surprise.

Which One for Your Ride?

Road and gravel riders seeking insurance, not armor, should reach for the Century. Stuff it in a pocket, forget about it, then pull it out when the conditions change. 

Bike tourists and commuters facing longer, harder rain should look at the Elite III. It won't pack down as small, but it won't back down from hours of rain, either, and the 3-layer build stands up to consistent use and washing.

Neither jacket asks you to choose between comfort and waterproof coverage. That's a false choice we don't sell. Get out there and ride! Either way, we’ve got you covered.